Bulgaria holidays

Best hotels in Bulgaria

Bulgaria holidays 2026 and 2027

Bulgaria has proved a great-value favourite with Thomas Cook holidaymakers, with 1,047 guests booking a Black Sea holiday here over the past year. Long sandy beaches, warm shallow waters, and a lower cost of living compared with many European resorts are what makes it so appealing particularly for families and All Inclusive stays. A 7-night trip is the most popular option, with shorter 4-night breaks and longer 10-night stays also booked.

September is the top month to travel, while May and June are popular choices for those after a quieter, cooler visit before or after the summer peak. Our customers typically jet off from Luton, London Gatwick and Manchester, all with direct flights to get you there faster.

Guests frequently choose HI Hotels Imperial Resort – All Inclusive, Izola Paradise Hotel - All Inclusive, and Voya Beach Resort - Ultra All Inclusive. Holidays start from around £594pp, dropping to roughly £482pp over winter, or from about £603pp during peak summer. All flight plus hotel bookings are ATOL protected, with a low deposit to secure your holiday.

Bulgaria Resorts

Sunny Beach Bulgaria Holidays

Sunny Beach is Bulgaria's largest Black Sea resort, known for its wide sandy beach, All Inclusive hotels and buzzing nightlife. There’s plenty of choice here for families, couples and groups, with beach days, water sports and entertainment all within easy reach. If you like having everything on your doorstep, this is one of Bulgaria's liveliest holiday spots.

Golden Sands Bulgaria Holidays

Golden Sands (Zlatni Pyasatsi) is a 3.5km Blue Flag beach backed by a nature reserve. With a calmer, more upmarket atmosphere than Sunny Beach, it’s well-suited to couples and families seeking a quieter base. You'll still find plenty going on, just with a more laid-back feel, with beach days and evenings that are a little more relaxed. And it’s not far from the city of Varna, ideal for a spot of exploring.

Albena Bulgaria Holidays

Albena is a purpose-built family resort north of Varna, with a wide beach, water sports and a mainly All Inclusive hotel strip. With a strong kids' club offering and activities designed for different ages, it’s particularly popular with families. Everything is close by, making family holidays feel that little bit easier.

Bansko Ski Holidays

Bansko is Bulgaria's main ski resort in the Pirin Mountains, with gondola-linked slopes, après-ski bars and cobbled Old Town streets. As one of Europe's cheapest ski destinations, Bansko skiing holidays offer excellent value both on and off the slopes. Bansko's traditional Old Town adds to its appeal, with cosy restaurants and bars where you can unwind after a day on the mountain. The ski season typically runs from December to April.

Sofia Bulgaria Holidays

Sofia is Bulgaria's capital and its leading city-break destination, known for Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National History Museum and a thriving café culture. Sofia works well throughout the year, from summer highlights such as Sofia Summer Fest and the A to Jazz Festival, to winter Christmas markets and festive events across the city. It's an easy city to discover over a long weekend, with historic landmarks and neighbourhoods best explored on foot.

Best Beaches in Bulgaria

Sunny Beach (Slanchev Bryag) boasts 8km of sand, All Inclusive hotels, beach bars and water sports along the central Black Sea coast.

Golden Sands (Zlatni Pyasatsi) is a 3.5km Blue Flag beach backed by a protected nature reserve, known for its finer sand and a more laid-back setting than Sunny Beach.

Albena Beach pairs a spacious stretch of sand with shallow waters and water sports, making it a popular choice for family beach holidays.

Nessebar Old Town Beach combines a UNESCO-listed Old Town with beaches that feel more low-key than nearby Sunny Beach, making it easy to mix beach time with sightseeing.

Sozopol is a historic Black Sea town with two beaches, including a family-friendly southern stretch and a smaller northern cove close to the Old Town walls.

Kavatsi and Smokinya Beaches sit just south of Sozopol, where dune-backed sands and a more tucked-away setting offer a different feel to Bulgaria's larger resorts.

Types of Bulgaria Holiday

All Inclusive Holidays

All Inclusive holidays to Bulgaria typically include meals, local drinks, snacks and evening entertainment, with plenty of options in Sunny Beach, Golden Sands and Albena.

Package Holidays

Package holidays to Bulgaria combine your flights and hotel in a single ATOL-protected booking, helping you travel with added peace of mind.

Family Holidays

Sunny Beach and Albena are particularly well suited to Bulgaria family holidays, thanks to large All Inclusive hotels, kids' clubs and calm Black Sea waters. For a closer look at which resort suits which age group, see our guide to the best family resorts in Bulgaria.

Ski Holidays

Bulgaria ski holidays centre around Bansko in the Pirin Mountains, where the slopes are just a short stroll from the resort's charming Old Town. It's also one of Europe's most affordable ski destinations.

Luxury Holidays

Luxury holidays in Bulgaria focus on five-star resorts in Golden Sands, with spa facilities, private beach access and fine dining.

Cheap Holidays

Cheap holidays to Bulgaria are often easiest to find in May, June and September, when temperatures reach a cheery 22–26°C and prices are typically lower than in peak summer.

Last-Minute Deals

Last-minute holidays to Bulgaria are available throughout the beach season from May to October, with plenty of choice across the country's main resorts.

When to Go to Bulgaria

December–April

Bansko's ski season typically runs from December to April, with slopes at their busiest between January and March. Temperatures in the Pirin Mountains usually range from around -5°C to 5°C, making winter a great time to swap sand for snow.

May–June

May and June bring temperatures of 20–25°C, with quieter beaches and prices that are often lower than in peak summer. Sea temperatures reach around 20°C by late May, so it’s not too cold for a paddle or a quick dip.

July–August

July and August are Bulgaria's hottest and busiest months, with temperatures reaching 28–32°C. If you're travelling during the school holidays or want the classic beach holiday experience, this is the time to visit, although it's worth booking early for the widest choice.

September

September temperatures average 25°C, and with prices often lower than August, it's one of the best-value times to visit Bulgaria. Families with younger children can avoid peak school holiday prices, while couples can enjoy beach days without the main summer crowds.

October–November

Temperatures in October and November typically range from 16–20°C, marking the end of the beach season for many resorts. As the summer winds down, it's a great time to trade seaside resorts for Sofia's museums, historic must-sees and café culture.

UK Departure Airports

We sell flights to Bulgaria from a number of UK airports, with a choice of airlines, helping you to plan the holiday that fits you best.

From England: Fly to Bulgaria from Manchester, Birmingham, London Gatwick, Bristol and Newcastle. Book flights to Varna Airport for Golden Sands and Albena, Bourgas Airport for Sunny Beach, Nessebar and Sozopol, or Sofia Airport for city breaks and Bansko ski holidays.

From Scotland: You can fly direct to Bulgaria from Edinburgh, Glasgow and other Scottish airports, making it easy to reach Bulgaria's Black Sea resorts from Scotland.

Why Book with Thomas Cook

Thomas Cook package holidays to Bulgaria are ATOL protected, with your ATOL certificate issued when you book. We're also ABTA-backed for added reassurance. You can also choose from regional departures across the UK, including Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Newcastle, rather than flying only from London.

More Travel Guides

26-28 ℃

Relax on the beach during the warm, dry, sunny summers on the Black Sea coast.

3 to 3.5 hours

If you’re going to the warm Black Sea resorts, Bourgas airport lies 35km south of Sunny Beach and 40km northwest of Duni.

Types of holidays in Bulgaria

Map of Bulgaria

Bulgaria is best for...

Sun seekers: Enjoy a relaxing swim in the Black Sea and all-day sunbathing on Sunny Beach.

History lovers: Bask in the late afternoon sun, as you stroll around the historic town Nessebar with its 5thcentury church and Byzantine-era baths.

Getting around Bulgaria

By bus: Travelling by privately-run buses is a great way to get around on a budget. These high-speed routes allow you to explore far and wide in comfort, without hitting your wallet too hard.

By hire car: Rent a car to really get off the beaten track. Explore the country’s many hidden villages, although bear in mind that most signs are in Cyrillic. Take a map and have a truly adventurous holiday to Bulgaria.

By train: Seeing this country by train is a wonderfully romantic way to get around. This destination has great domestic train lines as well as buses that cross international borders to Turkey, Greece, and Romania.

By taxi: Taxis are easy to find and very affordable, but make sure the meter is switched on. Ask your hotel to write your destination in Bulgarian script in case the driver can’t speak English.

Fast facts for Bulgaria

Language: The language spoken here is Bulgarian.

Currency: The official currency is the Euro.

Local time: Bulgaria is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Bourgas Airport or Varna airport. Transfers to the city take around 1 hour.

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Bulgaria is 3–3.5 hours.

Tourist information: More information on holidays to Bulgaria can be found at the official website for tourism in Bulgaria.

Visa / health: Before you travel, visit The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday.

Events in Bulgaria

Easter: During Orthodox Easter, families head to local churches and play games with coloured eggs on Holy Saturday. This traditional event gives visitors a great insight into the culture here.

Varna: In historic Varna, throughout the summer there’s music, theatre and folklore in outdoor stages across the city.

Folklore festival: The ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, holds its annual Folklore Festival when it comes alive with singing, dancing, and acts from all over the world.

Roses are red: Harvests are widely celebrated, and you can enjoy one of these traditional events in June’s with the Rose Festival in Kazanlak in the centre of the country.

Bulgaria safety and security

For up to date advice on travelling to Bulgaria, please visit the FCDO website.

Bulgaria weather

Temperature: 26 (°C) to 28 (°C).

Bulgaria holidays have the perfect summer sun at the Black Sea resorts, with temperatures up to 28 (°C). This means you can sunbathe, swim, and play beach games without getting too hot. Rainfall tends to increase a little over summer, but it soon dries out in the sun. Temperatures hover in the mid-teens during the spring and autumn, making these seasons perfect for trekking.

More hotels in Bulgaria

Popular Bulgaria holiday resorts

BanskoWhether you prefer winter sports or summer adventures, Bansko is a great year-round holiday spot. The stone houses and old streets of this quaint town are surrounded by the snow-topped mountains of Pirin National Park. Best known as a ski and snowboard wonderland, Bansko has hosted several skiing and biathlon World Cups, so you can be sure the facilities are top notch.

BorovetsAbout 90 minutes' drive from Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia, Borovets was the country’s first major ski resort. If you’re into adrenalin-pumping winter sports, you’re in for a treat. Borovets has more than 20 ski runs and the Borosport Snow Park, one of the best places in Eastern Europe for snowboarding.

Golden SandsGolden Sands is one of Bulgaria’s biggest resorts on the Black Sea, and it’s easy to see why it grows more popular every year. The 4-kilometre long beach offers clean, warm sand, crystal-clear water, and a beachfront promenade that is packed with bars and shops.

DuniIn a secluded bay on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, Duni is a peaceful and scenic resort famed for its golden sands, crystal-clear waters and protected wildlife. Ideal for families and couples, this purpose-built town offers a range of recreational activities for all ages to enjoy.

Sunny BeachWith miles of golden sand on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, Sunny Beach is a popular beach holiday destination for everyone from single travellers to families. The lively resort offers numerous water-sport activities by day, and live music and discos at night.

NessebarSitting pretty on Bulgaria’s sun-soaked Black Sea coast, Nessebar holidays will whisk you away to a true Baltic beauty spot. You’ll be free to discover the spectacular UNESCO-protected Old Town, before relaxing on the Blue Flag beaches and heading for a seafood special at a waterfront restaurant.

Places similar to Bulgaria to visit

TenerifeTenerife holidays give you the most reliable winter and summer sun in Europe, a different coastline at almost every resort, and Spain's tallest mountain in the middle of it all. The largest of the Canary Islands sits off the coast of Africa, so it stays warm when the rest of Europe cools down — which is exactly why holidays to Tenerife work in February as well as they do in August.

FAQs

What's the best resort in Bulgaria for families?

Sunny Beach and Albena are two of the best resorts in Bulgaria for families. Sunny Beach has large All Inclusive hotels, kids' clubs and family-friendly entertainment, while Albena combines shallow Black Sea waters with a spacious beach that's well-suited to younger children.

What's the best resort in Bulgaria for couples?

Golden Sands, Bansko and Sofia each offer something different for couples. Golden Sands is a good option if you'd prefer a quieter beach setting. Bansko combines skiing with cosy spa hotels. And Sofia pairs city sightseeing with a thriving food and café scene.

When's the best time to visit Bulgaria?

May, June and September are often the best times to visit Bulgaria, with temperatures of 20–25°C and lower prices than peak summer. September sea temperatures average 23–25°C, making it a popular time for beach holidays. If you're planning a ski break, Bansko's ski season typically runs from December to April.

Are Bulgaria holidays ATOL protected?

Yes. Thomas Cook package holidays to Bulgaria are ATOL protected, giving you extra peace of mind before you travel. Your ATOL certificate is issued when you book and explains exactly what protection you have.

What's included in All Inclusive Bulgaria holidays?

All Inclusive holidays in Bulgaria typically include meals, local drinks, snacks and evening entertainment, although exact inclusions vary by hotel. Check your chosen hotel's details before you book to confirm what's included.

Which UK airports fly to Bulgaria?

We sell flights to Bulgaria from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, London Gatwick, Bristol and Newcastle. Varna Airport (VAR) serves Bulgaria's northern Black Sea coast, while Sofia Airport (SOF) provides access to Sofia city breaks and Bansko ski holidays.

How long is the flight from the UK to Bulgaria?

Flights from London to Bulgaria typically take around 3–3.5 hours, while departures from Glasgow can take slightly longer. Exact flight times vary depending on your departure airport and destination.

Do I need a visa for Bulgaria?

No. UK passport holders do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area in 2024, but entry requirements can change, so check the latest Bulgaria visa requirements before booking your trip.

What currency does Bulgaria use?

Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). Cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, although carrying some cash can be useful in smaller shops and cafés. As a guide, a pint of Kamenitza lager costs around £1.50, a street kebab around £1–2, and a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant typically costs around £15–25. See the latest Bulgaria travel money information for tips on spending and exchange rates.

Is Bulgaria cheap for holidays?

Yes. Bulgaria is one of Europe's more affordable holiday destinations, with lower accommodation, food and drink costs than many Mediterranean resorts. Budget-friendly beach holidays can often be found from around £300 per person for seven nights All Inclusive.

Is Bulgaria safe for tourists?

Yes. Bulgaria's main tourist areas, including Sunny Beach, Golden Sands and Albena, are well-established holiday destinations with no heightened FCDO warnings in place at the time of writing. As with any destination, it's worth staying aware of your surroundings and checking the latest FCDO Bulgaria travel advice before departure.